The Skye Trilogy: Isle of Skye, Isle of Night, and Isle of Dawn. * Bonus: Scrumptious Skye Confections Cookbook*

by Shannon Barczak

  “Oh, my handsome boys,” I said as they came running towards me panting with excitement. “Where did you come from?”

  “Sidra opened the portal for us,” Katya said. “I’m so happy that everyone is…”

  “Katya?” Robert asked as Katya’s voice broke off in mid-sentence. “What is it?”

  “Willa,” she answered as she looked at me in shock

  “What?” I asked anxiously

  “Can I speak to you for a moment?”

  “Ok, sure,” I said. Katya and I were just walking away when Polly walked up to us.

  “Hey Willa tree,” she said. “I’m so glad you’re alive.”

  “Thanks Pol,” I said

  “What’s going on?” she asked looking back from Katya to me

  “No clue,” I answered. “Katya needs to talk to me.”

  “In private,” she said pointedly

  “Geez,” Polly said. “Don’t mind me I’m just her best friend.”

  Katya grabbed my arm and led me away. I was taken aback by her forcefulness. “What’s up Kit Kat?”

  “Willa, do you know that you’re…?”

  “Pretty? Smart? Beyond awesome?” I asked

  “Pregnant,” Katya said

  I gaped at her for a minute, “How did you know?”

  “My grandmother and mother were both midwives for our small clan in Russia,” she explained. “When we came here, my mother continued her work and she was teaching me before I left with Robert. It is our gift. We can tell when someone is expecting a child, and we also are very intuitive when it comes to helping bring babies into the world.”

  “So you and your mom are midwives?” I asked. “Oh, thank God. I so did not want my uncle delivering my babies.”

  “So you are aware that there are two?” she asked

  “Yes, I’m still trying to wrap my head around that little detail.”

  “Does Mathias know?”

  “Not yet,” I answered. “I just found out this morning, so it’s still kind of new to me.”

  “Do you mind?” she asked. I looked at her quizzically when she held out her hand and placed it on my belly. I glanced around to make sure no one was watching.

  “Ah, they are very healthy and strong,” she said. “Would you like to know the sex or do you want to be surprised?”

  “I thought it would be a few more weeks,” I said. “That’s what Rhoswen told me, although she did say she thought they were two boys.”

  “She was right,” Katya said. I let out the breath I hadn’t been aware I was holding. Two little boys, I thought. Two little men like their father. God help me, I groaned inward

  “Is everything all right?” Polly asked. Katya smiled at me and quietly left Polly and me alone. I did not want her to know yet. The next person I was going to tell was Mathias.

  “Yes, everything is good,” I said. “She was just telling me about some of the more amusing things that happened over the last few days.”

  “All right, look, my dad was just curious whether or not the marijina plant would take hold here in the human realm,” she said. “My mom walking around naked though was pretty tame I think. I mean that’s just a way of life for us.”

  “Sounds pretty normal for the Wood’s family,” I agreed. “What about you? Were the few days in the mountains therapeutic for your wicked soul?”

  “Well let’s see other than the fact your dog ate something that gave him such horrible gas that Oscar and I slept outside, it was fucking great. I love spending time in the middle of nowhere.”

  I smiled and was pulling a strand of hair out of my eyes when I heard Polly gasp.

  “Oh. My. God,” Polly said. “What is that on your finger?”

  I waved my hand around before answering. “What? Oh, you mean this little old ring?”

  “Wow, he liked it that much to put a ring on it?” Polly said. “I just want you to know I want no part of being a bridesmaid. I love you, but I’m not donning an ugly dress and planning some cheesy bridal shower.”

  I smiled and looked up as Sidra came over to me. “Hi,” she said holding out her hand. “May I?”

  “Sure,” I answered and gave her my left hand to inspect the ring

  “Congratulations, I am so happy for you both,” Sidra said, “I hope you will be very happy.”

  “Thanks,” I said. “I’m sure we will have our ups and downs but I have a feeling life will never be boring.”

  “I must apologize for your grandfather,” she said as she pointed over her shoulder. “He was most insistent to speak to Mathias.”

  I glanced over and watched Mathias and Kelvin talking. Kelvin was speaking rather earnestly while Mathias stood there listening intently.

  “Mathias is a big boy,” I said. “I’m sure he can handle it. Have you seen my parents? I didn’t know if they came here yet from Mathias’s island.”

  “I just popped over to see them and your father was trying to acclimate himself back to being a Fae again.” Sidra said. “Thank you Willa. I didn’t even think of that or even imagined that you could have done such a thing.”

  “It just hit me and I thought hey why not,” I said. “How are Beatrice and Rhoswen?”

  “Beatrice is on still on the beach. She was a vampire much longer, so I think she needs some time. She’s finding solace by immersing herself in the water.” Sidra said. “Rhoswen is doing remarkable. She and the king of the Sprites have been talking for quite a while now, and I think there may finally be peace in the Air realm, especially for the Sprites.”

  “Willa saved the day,” Polly smirked. “I want to get a t-shirt made up with a picture of you in a cape.”

  “I totally dig that idea,” I said. “Can I have a crown and bullet proof bracelets too?”

  “Wonder woman,” Polly sang

  “Ladies,” Kelvin said as he and Mathias joined us. “Willa, my dear, you were magnificent.”

  “Thanks grandpa,” I said as I surprised him with a hug. “Are you guys sticking around for a bit?”

  “Yes,” Sidra answered. “I think it is going to take a few days to get everything settled with our new Lords and Ladies.”

  “Good,” I said. “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m beat and I need to see my dad.”

  “Of course not,” Sidra said. “Go and get some rest.”

  Mathias and I said our goodbyes and were about to leave when the dogs came trotting towards us.

  “I’ll take Oscar and you take Cupcake?” I asked as I grabbed Oscar’s collar, and we teleported off before Mathias could respond. When we landed on the beach near the cottage I laughed as I spied my dad covered in the sand

  “You look ridiculous,” I said

  “I feel ridiculous,” he answered wryly. “This is the only thing that is helping my somewhat overwhelmed senses at the moment.”

  “I understand,” I said. My mother came out of the cottage and gave me a big hug. She looked so happy and content. I was about to comment on her glow when she started lecturing me.

  “Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked

  “Tell you what?” I asked cautiously as I sneaked a peak at my father. I hope he didn’t tell her about the babies. He shook his head at my silent question

  “Tell me what?” she repeated. “That you and Mathias became engaged.”

  “It just happened yesterday,” I said. “We got home last night and then this morning the proverbial shit hit the fan.”

  “You still could’ve called Willa,” she said

  “You’re right Mom,” I said. “I should have told everyone to hold on a minute before they attacked so I could call my mommy and tell her I was getting married. What was I thinking?”

  “Well, it would’ve just taken a second,” she huffed. “I feel like I was the last to know.”

  I couldn’t wait to tell her I was pregnant. She was probably going to go ballistic that I didn’t come to her first. Mathias landed with Cupcake a few yards from us and shot me a look of disgust.

&n
bsp; “What the hell did they feed him?” he asked. Cupcake looked up at Mathias and then dropped his head almost like he was in shame.

  “So when should we plan the wedding for?” my mother asked in a businesslike tone. “I thought Christmas would be just lovely.”

  “Two weeks,” I said

  “Willa, there’s no way I can properly plan a wedding in two weeks,” she laughed. “Why don’t you both talk about it tonight and get back to me tomorrow?”

  “Sounds good Cecily,” Mathias said. “Now if you’ll excuse us, Willa is exhausted.”

  “Oh, of course darling,” Cecily said as she gave me a hug. I shot my dad an amused look as Mathias; the dogs and I left them alone. We slowly made our way to the treehouse in silence. I was glad because I needed a few minutes to try and formulate in my head what I was going to say to Mathias. I had to tell him I was pregnant, but I was unsure of his reaction. What if he wasn’t happy? What if he didn’t want kids?

  “Two weeks huh?” he asked when we had climbed in the house. I went right into the kitchen to get something to eat. I was starving.

  I didn’t answer as I went about making a huge sandwich. Mathias watched me and smiled. “Is there a reason we should get married quickly? Are you truly that desperate to become Willa Worthing so soon?”

  I stopped spreading mayonnaise on the bread. “Willa Worthing? Willa Worthing.” I repeated. “That’s a mouthful.”

  “Don’t even tell me that you are contemplating keeping your maiden name which, by the way, isn’t even real.”

  “No,” I said as I took a bite of my sandwich. “I have every intention of taking your name. I think it would be weird if I didn’t.”

  “Good,” he said. “I think I like the idea of a Christmas wedding. We met right before Christmas and…”

  “I’m pregnant,” I blurted out. “I think we need to speed things up as far as the wedding goes, ok? I am not walking down the aisle as big as a house nor am I waiting until after they’re born.”

  Mathias stood frozen. His mouth was open, and his eyes were searching my face wildly. I decided to finish my sandwich while he stood there in shock.

  “What?” he finally managed to say

  “You knocked me up Wolfie, congratulations; apparently you must have some super sperm because your boys are still swimming.”

  “That’s not, that’s not possible,” he sputtered. “You have to be joking.”

  “Nope, if anything the jokes on me,” I snorted

  “Wait, you said until after they’re born,” he said slowly

  “It’s twins, not only that but according to Katya there are two little boys currently gestating in my stomach.”

  “When did you find this out?” he asked suddenly

  “This morning,” I answered hesitantly

  “This morning?” he repeated. “You found out that you were pregnant with twins this morning and yet you still risked not only your life but the lives of my unborn children?”

  “I knew you might have a small problem with that but I did what I had to do to protect them.”

  “Protect them?” he asked. “You protected them by engaging in a battle?”

  “Mathias, I had to end this,” I said, “Not only for their sake but for mine as well. I am well aware of the risk that I took, but I had a split second decision to make, and I took it so get off my fucking back.”

  I stopped suddenly as I looked down while I whispered and patted my stomach. “I’m sorry boys, I’m going to try and stop swearing. I promise.”

  Mathias walked over to me, and we just stared at each other for a few minutes. The dogs were even still as they sat and watched our exchanged. Mathias suddenly dropped to his knees and laid his head on my abdomen gently. His fingers lightly traced my stomach as he sat there.

  “I can hear their hearts beating,” he whispered

  “You can?” I asked softly

  “It’s so fast.”

  “That’s normal,” I answered

  “I don’t know how to be a father Willa,” he said. “What if I fail miserably?”

  “Do you think I know how to be a mother?” I asked as I ran my fingers through his thick hair. “I mean c’mon, I can barely say a sentence without flinging the f-bomb.”

  Mathias jumped up and looked around. “We need to prepare.”

  “We have time,” I said

  “No we don’t.” he answered. “We need to get married and then we need to start on the nursery. We need to think about security measures and…”

  “Stop,” I laughed. “We don’t have to do everything in a day.”

  “But…” he said

  “But nothing,” I interrupted. “Look we’ll get married and then I thought we would use one of the empty unused bedrooms at our new house or your old house in Wales for their nursery.”

  “No, we need to stay here. You need to be close to your family and whatever medical attention you may require during your delicate time.”

  “Oh God,” I groaned. “This isn’t the eighteen hundreds. I want to raise our boys at our home in Wales. We’ll keep this place for getaways and whatnot. I can make a portal, and so can my father and Rhoswen. That’s what I want Mathias and if my grandmother and I have to put several protective barriers around the property there, then so be it because that’s our home.”

  Mathias stood back and crossed his arms. “Fine but I get to name them.”

  “This isn’t a negotiation,” I said. “Besides, that’s something we both have to agree on together.”

  “We move to Wales and I get to name them,” he smirked. “I think that’s a good compromise.”

  “Fine but if you name one of them Wulfric so help me God Mathias I will light one of your fingers on fire.”

  “Merrick and Morgan,” he said. “I want to name them after my grandfather and mother.”

  I smiled sadly at his pronouncement. Mathias had adored his grandfather and mother. There was no way I could even fight him on this. I also liked the names too; that was a plus.

  “Merrick Cormac Worthing and Morgan Archer Worthing,” I said

  “Archer?” he asked as he cocked his eyebrow

  “I love my grandfather Archibald but I can’t do that to the kid.”

  “I like Archer.”

  “Are we discussing this right now?” I said. “I can’t believe it was just a few days ago when we had another negotiation over who was going to be on top.”

  “That was a fairly good compromise as I remember,” he said as he pulled me close and started to trail kisses down my neck

  “Doggy style is always a good compromise,” I gasped as he nipped my ear

  Mathias leaned down and swiftly picked me up in his arms. He was laying me on the bed a few seconds later.

  “I don’t know if I should tell you this,” he said as he peeled off my clothes

  “What’s that?” I asked. “If you’re going to tell me that I’m a few pounds heavier I just want you to know that I will not react well.”

  “I love you,” he said. My heart swelled. It was the first time he had said those three little words. He had mouthed it once and then told me in Welsh, but this was the first time I had heard it in normal, good old fashioned English.

  “Will you love me even when I’m fat? Because I have to warn you, my hips are already somewhat healthy in size, and I have to think that they are going to spread the further along I go in this pregnancy.”

  “You’re going to spread huh?” he asked. “Now that is a very intriguing mental picture.”

  “Seriously?” I asked as he started to run his hands down my body. He stopped when he reached my stomach

  “I will love you even if you are as big as a whale because you are the only woman in this world for me.”

  “I’ll have to remind you of that when I make you go out in the middle of the night to get ice cream and pickles for me.”

  “Not going to happen,” he said smugly

  “Oh and why is that?” I said pushing
him away

  “Need I remind you that I am the head Guardian for a reason,” he grinned. “I know how to plan for any eventuality and I am going to stock that house with so food much that you or my unborn children will not want for anything.”

  “The only thing I have ever wanted was you.”

  “I’m very happy to hear that,” he said. “Because I’m afraid you’re stuck with me for eternity.”

  “That’s a long time.”

  “Tell me about it,” he laughed before placing his forehead to mine.

  “There will be no end for you and me, Wolfie,” I said

  “Never,” he said as he kissed me passionately

  We lay there for what seemed like hours, dreaming about our future and making love in between our talks throughout the night. When the sun rose in the morning, the dawn of a new day brought hope to my heart and a peacefulness that I never imagined could have existed.

  Fuck fairytales, I thought, my story was way better than any Disney Princess.

  The End

  Epilogue

  I shut the journal when I finished writing and smiled contentedly as I snuggled into the overstuffed chair that I had been sitting in for the better part of two days. Julia had handed me a blank book when she and Riah had gotten married and until now I never had the time or the inclination to write anything on the blank pages. `

  My life had changed so much in the past few years. I didn’t realize just how much it had changed until I started writing it all down. Mathias and I had gotten married almost two weeks after I had told him that I was pregnant. I had worn my Aunt Gussie’s simple strapless ivory wedding dress with a billowing skirt from the nineteen fifties.

  My grandmother Winifred had given me a small diamond crown to accent my long sheer veil. We decided that we had just wanted a small intimate ceremony in the chapel adjacent to the castle with only our family and very close friends. It was short but sweet and when we walked outside we were surprised to find virtually the entire clan waiting to shower us with rose petals.

  We spent our honeymoon happily ensconced in Wales at Mathias’s childhood home. The bigger my belly grew though, the more neurotic Mathias became. He was almost comically nervous, and when Katya had told us that my cervix was softening, he immediately called my father who opened a portal to the Isle of Skye.